By: Lauren Hazen
Technology has allowed tremendous
advancements for educators in the classroom as it allows us, as educators, to
tailor to the needs of our students. It has changed the way students acquire
facts, no longer requiring them to depend on us for the acquisition of
information, especially with Google at their fingertips! Most educators are striving to not only implement technology for student engagement, but
also aligning it to the learning standards to improve the delivery of the
material. It’s a tool that enables teachers to differentiate and scaffold lessons
according to the individual needs of their students.
 |
| Educational Robots |
Our classrooms are not the only ones benefiting
from these developments; educators for students with special needs are taking
advantage of the technological advancements as well. Aldebaran Robotics created a robot with a
sensor network that it uses for facial and object recognition in addition to voice
commands and sound localization. Teq, an
ed-tech and professional development company, created a program known as
JumpStart NAO that pairs a professional development service with an NAO robot. The
implementation of the robot provides educators with the opportunity to
introduce students to STEM as well as robotic related fields. The NOA can be
used to help target one-on-one or group interactions through the pre-programed
tasks or goals set by the teacher.
Aldebaran designed its ASK NAO
specifically for students with autism to break down the barriers of exclusion.
It’s a user-friendly assistant that was designed with schools in mind to bridge
the gap of communication for children with autism. Because the robot is simpler than humans, as
it displays less information decreasing over-stimulation risks and it’s
predictable, minimizing unexpected exchanges that might lead to increased
anxiety. Some children are able to interact with the robot using verbal,
tactile or visual interactions better than they would a human. Imagine the
possibilities!
See more:
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of these before but they seems to be a very unique tool, especially for use in the special education classroom. Your explanation of how its predictable movements helped to lessen anxiety for students was impressive and I honestly would never have thought about that factor. When I look at a tool like this, it is clear that this is the type of "next big thing". I will think about your post when I begin to see them in action!
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteGlad you bought this up. My reason for saying this since we had a paper to do on assistive technology, I found it strange that so many districts do not have many devices in their SPED rooms to help students with their disabilities. These robots would be amazing especially if they provide help to students with autism aiding in the role of communicating. However, how many districts or parents can afford robots of this nature? I would love to see the research that comes out of using these robots.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this before, but I think these robots are a great idea! It's a great motivation tool for any student, especially students in special education. I like how it has predictable movements and can decrease anxiety for students with autism. I do have to agree with Jennifer though, how many schools will really be able to afford something like this?
The ASK NAO runs at about $2000. However, depending on what you're looking for what you're looking to accomplish the Aldebaran Robotics has different versions that cost anywhere from $2000 to $16000.
ReplyDeleteLauren, exactly my point. Cost is the number one factor why many school districts would not be able to partake in such new technology. This is one of the ways in which education is not fair because why should everyone not get the same regardless of money or no money?
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
DeleteIt always comes down to money. It is not fair that our system claims to offer equal education and opportunities for our youth but it really doesn't because those districts that have more money have better supplies, tools, and programs than those districts that do not. I think that there would have to be ideas to come up with money and apply for grants and other special assisting programs that could help cover the technology.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteThe robots are a great idea.The cost factor is unfortunate but I am sure there are other types of technology or programs that could help assist. We need to find ways to help and better assist our students with special needs especially those with autism since it seems to be a growing among our youth. I am sure we could use this idea to come up with alternatives.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post! Thank you for the information. I think the development of these robots is a terrific addition to the assistive technologies available. I am reminded of an assignment we did for Professor Rowen in ELA & Tech using Voki. For some students, it was an easier way to communicate.